The Anambra State Police Command has busted an
underground warehouse in Onitsha stocked with a large consignment of
suspected fake shoe polish worth about 30 million Naira.

The underground warehouse located at a 3-storey Plaza along
Marine modern market, Onitsha built into the River Niger, is allegedly
owned by one Mr Ebube who according to the Police is still at large.

The adulterated products were craftily packed in
unidentified cartons on the outside with the original carton hidden on
the inside.

Addressing newsmen after the raid, the State Commissioner
of Police, Mr Garba Umar, explained that the the raid followed a formal
complaint lodged by the holder of the franchise for the product, adding
that it was an eye opener for the command on the illegalities going in
major markets across the state.

He further said the discovery that the adulterated products
may have been brought in through the River Niger, has brought to the
fore, the need for the Police to beef up its Marine arm and partner
better with the Nigerian Navy to improve security on the waterways.

CP Umar appealed to the general public to support the war
against fake products by volunteering credible information that will
lead to the busting of such illegal operations, assuring that the Police
will follow through investigations to ensure that the culprit is
brought to book.

The Holder of the franchise for the product, Chief Sam
Anyanwutaku who bemoaned the huge damage which the activities of such
illegal manufacturers do to their businesses, said upon receiving
intelligence on his operations, he had immediately reported to the
Police, expressing gratitude to the State Police Command for their
prompt response.

The Chairman of the Market, Mr Louis Onyeabo who absolved
the market union of any complicity in the crime, stated clearly that the
market deals only on clothing materials and has a standing policy
against adulterated products.

The confiscated products were later taken to the State Police Headquarters in Awka as exhibits while investigations continue.